Best Treadmills of

How We Selected the Top Treadmills

Whether you’re a competitive marathoner, a once-in-a-while walker, or you’re simply looking for a more convenient way to fit fitness into your life, investing in a treadmill can be a smart move. Having a treadmill in your home gives you the freedom to exercise whenever you choose, not just when the weather or family schedules cooperate. It can save you money on a gym membership, especially if multiple family members are using it. And, treadmills let you control your speed, incline, intensity and duration, so you can customize a workout that works for you as your abilities and goals grow.

But if you don’t want your treadmill gathering dust and laundry in the corner of your room, you need to be certain you buy the right machine. And with so many treadmill brands and models on the market today, that can be a daunting task. We’re here to help! Our expert team spent countless hours researching the most important considerations when shopping for a treadmill, then assessing how all the top products stack up. So you can find the best treadmill for your needs, budget and goals—without breaking a sweat.

Before You Buy: Important Considerations

While our list includes some of the top treadmills available today, there are a few factors to consider when determining which is best for you, like:

• Your available space. This will determine if you would be better off with a folding treadmill, an under the desk treadmill or a full size stationary machine. Keep in mind that you will need space around your treadmill so you can comfortable get on and off the belt. If you are using a motorized machine, you will also need an outlet nearby to plug it in.
• Your intended use. If you plan to run on your treadmill, you may require a sturdier machine with a longer running belt than if you will be using it only for walking.
• Your program preferences. Most treadmills come with a selection of programmed workouts, but if you would prefer access to a broader database of live classes and workout programs that sync with your specific machine, you’ll want to consider a more upgraded model.
• Your budget. The price range for treadmills is very wide. You can buy a basic walking pad for as little as $100, or you could spend as much as $5,000 on a commercial-grade machine with all the bells and whistles. Knowing how much you can spend on your machine will narrow your selection down tremendously, making the search much easier.

Identifying exactly what you’re looking for will help you hone in on the best treadmill for your home, goals and budget.

What We Looked For

Here’s an overview of the criteria we used to determine which treadmills top our list:

Durable Construction

The best treadmills are built to handle heavy use. They have sturdy frames that don’t shake or rattle as you move, strong handrails that you can lean on, and wide foot rails that let you straddle the belt if you want a break or need to stop abruptly. They have strong, reliable and responsive motors that seamlessly transition between speeds and inclines, and running belts that are thick, shock-absorbing and well cushioned, reducing the impact on your joints. Their running surfaces are wide enough to accommodate exercisers of all sizes, and long enough that even those with very long strides don’t have to worry about their feet striking the front motor housing.

Highly Adjustable

The best treadmills offer a wide range of speeds, enabling slow strolling, all-out sprinting, and everything in between. They also offer a variety of incline options, allowing you to dictate whether you’d like a flat surface, a slight incline or a steep uphill climb. The top machines transition quickly and smoothly between speeds and inclines so you never have to break your stride.

Quiet Operation

No treadmill is completely silent when in use, but the top models are thoughtfully designed to keep noise to a minimum. They have sturdy frames that prevent any shaking or rattling as you move, and high quality motors that produce an unobtrusive, low hum. They’re also engineered to maximize vibration absorption, muting the sound of foot strikes. 

Safety & Convenience Features

The top treadmills include design elements that help keep you safe as you exercise, like:

• Emergency stop button/tethered safety key: Lets you immediately stop the belt from running.
• Heart rate monitor: Enables you to keep an eye on your stats throughout your workout and adjust as needed.
• Strong, grippable handrails: Helps you keep your balance getting on and off the machine, and provides extra support during a workout.
• Wide foot rails: Provides an unmoving surface to stand on if you need to pause or stop quickly.
  

The best machines also include features designed to make your experience more enjoyable, ranging from built-in cooling fans and large cupholders, to integrated sound systems, Bluetooth headphone connectivity, fitness tracker synchronization, and smart touchscreens that stream movies, TV shows and live fitness classes.

Generous Warranties

Treadmill warranties are typically divided into several components. Many manufacturers offer separate warranties for the frame, the motor, the parts and electronics, the belt and deck, and the labor. 

The best brands stand behind their products with generous warranties that provide coverage within the following ranges:

• Frame: 10 years to lifetime
• Motor: 5 years to lifetime
• Parts/electronics: 2 to 5 years
• Labor: 1 to 2 years, ideally with in-home service included

Keep in mind that a treadmill warranty can be voided or denied if the treadmill is used, maintained, installed or repaired in a manner that violates its warranty terms. You can avoid this by following all installation and maintenance instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Positive Reviews

While the best treadmill for you ultimately depends on your preferences, space, budget, fitness level and goals, reviews from real customers can provide invaluable insights into a machine’s performance, quality, convenience and safety. The top machines have amassed countless positive reviews from actual users, and come from brands that are highly rated by credible organizations like the Better Business Bureau.

Reasonable Pricing

The amount you’ll pay for a treadmill depends on the type of machine you choose as well as its size, features, construction and range of adjustability, among other factors. The best options have price tags that match their value and are competitive with similar models. They come from credible brands and are backed by strong warranties and customer service. Many of the more premium models come with free or minimally priced assembly, which is invaluable given the size, weight and complexity of some of these machines.